Cleveland Cavaliers: Three lineups for Larry Drew to try out
By Dan Gilinsky
Constant movement
Sexton-Harrison-Rodney Hood-Kyle Korver-Tristan Thompson
Collin Sexton needs to keep progressing in regards to his passing and operating in pick-and-rolls, and improving his chemistry with Tristan Thompson in the coming weeks (and potentially the rest of the season if Thompson isn’t traded) is going to be key with George Hill sidelined. Despite the rookie making his share of mistakes (as he’s averaging 2.2 turnovers to just 2.1 assists per game right now), his growth is the focus now for this season, arguably.
More from Cavs Analysis
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
- Projecting how much Cavs’ 3 two-way signings might play this season
- 4 Cavaliers looking to make a name for themselves in training camp
- Mitchell’s numbers getting trimmed a bit wouldn’t be bad thing for Cavaliers
Having a capable secondary passing playmaker on the floor in Harrison (who has a respectable 4.8 assists per 36 minutes for his career, per Basketball Reference) should put less of a burden on Sexton if needed, and Sexton could have a number of cutting opportunities of his own with Hood and Korver’s movement.
In addition, with the combination of Thompson’s outstanding off-ball screens and Kyle Korver and Rodney Hood‘s shooting ability off the catch, Cleveland should be able to get a number of quality looks from behind the arc and in the mid-range after one-dribble pull-ups (from Hood mainly).
On the defensive end, Cleveland would have some issues against traditional 4’s, but Korver is at least savvy enough to draw some charges when the opportunities are there, and Hood could be there to double if needed. Sexton still has a ways to go in his defensive awareness, but he is working really hard at it, and when he gets rebounds or loose balls, he’s gone the other way in a flash. Hood has been playing well on the defensive end against some tough wings lately, too, for the record.
If the Cavs gang-rebound, they’d be okay on the glass.
The third lineup I’d like to see Drew go to given Cleveland’s injuries is a nice inside-outside mix.